I would like to try a TLG. Always had fun with traditional javelin launch gliders, ever since I was a teenager and lost my first one OOS.

Can you suggest the best beginner's model? Like the reverse elliptical curve of the wings in the Sweepette series esthetically . Bigger better?

How much is going to hurt performance if I go with a straight no taper arrow shaft from Walmart? Is is it worth the effort for a newbie to order them from Budenholm (probably didn't get that spelled right).

Concur with the others. If you go with a model from Stan, you'll get a great kit with great wood that you know will fly great. The relatively small Dynomite is easy to throw and competitive in contests.

You might consider going even smaller, not bigger, for a beginner model. Read my beginner launch tips a couple of spots down in this forum. The pics of my son throwing are with a Dynomite. The smaller models are more forgiving of launch mistakes.

Finally, you might consider starting with the CG farther forward than shown on the plans when getting started. That will also make it a bit more forgiving of launch mistakes.

I like what the others have added in regards to Stan's kits, and the Dynomite is a great starter TLG as well as still being competitive. The other possibility(s) are the Meer 29 and Nitro. As Stan B. is one of the few persons who put together such fine kits and designs for the glider crowd here in the USA, I think it is in our best interest to support him as a kit manufacturer. If you would like to go all out(larger model), you could always try a Spin F1N, Turn Up, or Dynamo Hum 2.

If you have good building skills, you should have a nice flying glider, but spend some time getting proper trim before going for the big spin discus launch. Positive incidence is your friend in the case of Tip Launch Gliders(don't ask me how I've learned this).